IN AN UNPRECEDENTED TELEVISION EVENT, NBC NEWS TO BROADCAST "FARRAH'S STORY" FRIDAY, MAY 15, 9 -11 PM
New York, N.Y. - May 5, 2009 - The world knows Farrah Fawcett from her years as an award winning actress, a successful model, one of our most recognized pop icons - but on Friday, May 15 from 9-11 PM ET, NBC News will introduce viewers to the Farrah Fawcett who is a fighter, when it broadcasts "Farrah's Story," an extremely personal look at her battle with cancer. Shot with her own home video recorder, "Farrah's Story" chronicles the actress' two and half year battle with cancer. Intensely intimate and emotional, the footage becomes Farrah's video diary in which she not only shares her thoughts and feelings but also her treatments in the U.S. and Germany. This is Farrah Fawcett's story in her own words as she explains her battle and her journey with cancer, and it is her narration that tells this story.
"This film is very personal," Fawcett said during filming. "At the time, I didn't know if anybody would ever see it. But at some point, the footage took on a life of its own and dictated that it be seen."
Offering Fawcett support in her fight is long time companion Ryan O'Neal, who also is battling a cancer with Leukemia, and has been at Fawcett's side throughout her illness. Close friend Alana Stewart serves as co-producer and shot most of the video. Ryan O'Neal, Jaclyn Smith, Kate Jackson, Farrah's father Jim Fawcett as well as her team of doctors participate in the documentary.
"This is an incredibly intimate and moving story about Farrah's struggle," Doug Vaughan, senior vice president of specials and alternative development said. "Farrah wanted us to see the face of cancer and she wanted to set the record straight regarding her diagnosis, her treatment and her outlook on the future."
"I've never understood why people are interested in anything that I do. Until now." Fawcett said. "As much as I would have liked to have kept my cancer private, I now realize that I have a certain responsibility to those who are fighting their own fights and may be able to benefit from learning about mine."
Besides her battle with cancer, Farrah's efforts to protect her privacy, throughout her battle, by standing up to the paparazzi and tabloids will be chronicled in the documentary.
Fawcett has been nominated for three Emmy's and six Golden Globes, including one nomination for "The Burning Bed," a made-for-television movie that increased the awareness of domestic abuse to such an extent that it helped change the legislation surrounding police procedures and victim's rights.
Farrah Fawcett, Craig Nevius and Alexandra Gleysteen are executive producers of "Farrah's Story." Doug Vaughan is the senior vice president of special programs and alternative development.
|